Skin Cancer and Skin Medicine

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need a GP referral for a skin check? +

  No referral is required for a routine skin check. You can book directly through AutoMed. A referral can still be helpful where a Medicare rebate may apply, or where a specific lesion has already been flagged by your GP — but it is not a barrier to booking. If a suspicious lesion is found and needs further work-up, we will discuss the appropriate pathway with you at the appointment.
• How long does a skin check take and what is included? +

  Our comprehensive full-body skin checks include approximately 40 minutes face-to-face with your skin cancer physician, with total in-clinic time of up to one hour. This allows every spot on the body to be examined, supported by dermoscopy and — where indicated — full-body 3D VECTRA® mole mapping or 2D total-body photography. Shorter targeted spot checks (up to 3 specific lesions) take around 20 minutes.
• How often should I have a skin check? +

  Most adults benefit from a full-body skin check every 12 months. Higher-risk patients (personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin with significant sun damage, many atypical naevi, or immunosuppression) may need 6-monthly checks. The recommended interval is set at your first visit based on your individual risk profile and skin findings, and can be adjusted over time.
• What's the difference between a full-body check and a targeted spot check? +

  A full-body check is a comprehensive head-to-toe examination — every area of skin reviewed with dermoscopy, often combined with total-body photography for surveillance baseline. A targeted spot check is a shorter appointment for up to 3 specific lesions you are concerned about — useful for a quick second opinion on a single mole but not a substitute for periodic full-body surveillance. Most patients combine the two over time.
• What happens if you find something suspicious? +

  If a lesion needs further assessment we discuss the options with you at the appointment — short-interval review, dermoscopy/photographic monitoring, biopsy in-clinic, or referral to a dermatology or surgical colleague when appropriate. Many non-melanoma cancers and pre-cancers can be treated in-clinic via non-surgical pathways (PDT, Efudix, Aldara, laser-assisted therapy) where suitable. Melanoma and complex lesions follow established surgical referral pathways.